Self-vending merchandise machine



Jan. 7, 1941. s. KAUFMANN SELF-VENDING MERCHANDISE MACHINE Filed May 2, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 s. KAUFMANN SELF-VENDING MERCHANDISE MACHINE Filed May 2, 1940 Jan. 7, 1941.

Jan. 7, 1941. s. KAUFMANN SELF-VENDING MERCHANDISE momma Filed May 2, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 S. Kauf-rnahn Patented Jan. 7, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFECE 2,227,721 SELF-VENDING MERCHANDISE MACHINE Application May 2, 1940, Serial No. 332,945 In Latvia July 29, 1939 18 Claims.

My invention relates to self-vending merchandise machines of the class in which a number of drawers are arranged alongside one another with supply compartments for goods of different prices. The compartments are suitably disposed and may be of an individual character arranged one upon another. The drawers are releasable from their normal closed positions by means of a coin-freed mechanism actuated by coins inserted in a coin-slot. The coin-freed mechanism is adjusted receptive to coins of a certain denomination and the insertion of a single coin rel-eases goods of the lowest value of merchandise contained in a compartment, that 15 is to say, the insertion of a fivecent piece will dispense an article of that value from one of the compartments. In order to obtain an article of a ten-cent value, two coins are inserted. To obtain an article of a higher value, a greater number of coins are inserted corresponding to the amount of the purchase. The coin-freed mechanism has a sliding rod associated with all the drawers, which is particularly co-ordinated for the actuation of a common device for the coinslot of the release mechanism.

Vending machines of this type are already known in the art, but so far as I am aware they are complicated in their construction and consequently expensive to manufacture and, furthermore, have certain drawbacks in their mechanical structure, hence it is one of the objects of this invention to produce an improved and more serviceable machine of this type having salient features of construction.

class with which I am familiar, one of the outstanding drawbacks is that the release mechanism has a maximum capacity of only three coins of the same denomination. It is therefore only possible to dispense merchandise in three differ ent price ranges, which affects unfavorably the sale of merchandise because the popular packages of cigarettes and confectionery have a much higher price range than is provided for. For instance, if such a machine is adjusted for coins of a five-cent denomination, then the most popular cigarette package that retails for twentyfive cents could not be sold and, on the other hand, should the machine be adjusted for coins of a ten-cent denomination then confectionery below this value could not be dispensed.

It has already been proposed to provide a machine of this kind with a release mechanism comprising a sliding rod that is connected to all of the drawers and is bent upwards at a right In self-vending merchandise machines of this angle at the right hand end to such an extent as is required in order to be operable by means of three coins as above mentioned. The right rear side of this upwardly bent sliding rod serves as a stop against a swing lever provided for every coin and is kept under spring pressure. The back of the lowest swing lever limits the necessaryfeed of the sliding rod. A bevel-shaped taper is formed on the swing lever so that it becomes pushed off by the first coin to efiect the releasing of the sliding rod. On the second swing lever the back of the stop is placed still further to the right. According to this construction, on

insertion of a coin the first swing lever allows the l. sliding rod to pass on to the stop on the second swing lever. On insertion of two coins, the first two swing levers permit the sliding rod to pass on to the stop of the third swing lever. Should an attempt be made to rob the machine by inserting only two coins and trying, by forceful jerks, to pull the drawer adjusted to three coins, the sliding rod has a comparatively long unsupported length in the direction of the coin slot by reason of the fact that the first two swing levers permit the sliding rod to pass. makes it impossible to support the upwardly bent part of the sliding rod, hence it can with facility be bent further to the left with the result that the coin insertion slot of the movable coin receiver no longer coincides with the fixed coin insertion slot, consequently the machine is thrown out of order; that is to say, the working mechanism is disrupted.

A further disadvantageous feature of this known type of release mechanism is that the feed plates that are attached to the drawers and have bevelled edges are required to be larger for every price range and the different widths vary considerably.

The present invention has for one of its objects to eliminate such disadvantageous features by the provision of an improved coin-freed mechanism embodying a novel construction of releasing mechanism. According to the present invention, all the drawers for the merchandise compartments, for which it is necessary to insert one or more coins of the same denomination, are provided with differently formed glide curves or cams and the sliding rod which carries the coin receiver is guided by rolls engageable with the glide curves or cams by means of plates or corresponding notches at the bottom of the drawers. This construction varies the feed of the sliding rod, that is to say, it may have a longer or shorter travel.

This structure The invention furthermore comprehends a novel coin restitution means. This mechanism precludes a purchaser from losing the first inserted coin in the event that, by mistake or with intention to rob, he tries to pull a drawer that is adjusted for a higher price range. This mechanism comprises a coin restitution plate that is moved so far to the right that the first coin cannot drop into the coin receiver. The drawers that are adjusted for a higher price range are equipped with an additional sliding rod spring urged toward the left hand end. The second sliding rod is provided with one or more guide pins. The drawers that are adjusted to a higher :price merchandise are equipped with additional plates having glide curves or cam faces by which the second sliding rod is shifted toward the right hand in the direction of the coin receiver a sufficient distance, as is required bythe glide curves or cams of the different plates. The second sliding rod is connected at its right hand end with a catcher of a novel construction, which catcher forms a part of the coin restitution means. The coin restitution means when actuated shifts toward the right hand in such a manner that the coin restitution plate functions to cover the slot of the coin receiver to prevent the first inserted coin from falling. The customer can then get his coin back by pressing the coin restitution button or, on the other hand, he may pull out a drawer for merchandise of the lowest value. The coin restitution means incorporates an upper and a lower plate. The upper plate is supplied with a guide bar slidable in an opening in the lower plate which is slotted for this purpose. The lower plate is of an angular configuration and has a vertical portion that carries a guide pin parallel to the upper plate. The guide bar of the upper plate is coupled to the second sliding rod in such a manner that the coin restitution plate may be shifted forward and backward.

According to my invention I preferably construct the releasing mechanism in such a manner that the main sliding rod previously mentioned is bent upwards at a right angle in the vicinity of the coin receiver. This upwardly bent portion of the main sliding rod constitutes an arm and is attached to the coin receiver at the left hand side thereof. The front side of this arm is cut away above the bend in order to constitute a stop that limits the feed of the main sliding rod. For co-operation with the main sliding rod, a blocking case is disposed at the left of the coin receiver. which coin receiver is slidable horizontally on guide means. A blocking bar is vertically guided in the blocking case and on its lower part are supplied steps in the form of cut-out portions. the length of the steps corresponding to the difference in widths of the glide curves or cams that are attached to the drawers. The stop of the main sliding bar is adapted to strike against the steps which are so respectively disposed in relation to the stop as to limit the feed of the'main sliding rod. Within the blocking case a plurality of lift or release bars are supplied and horizontally arranged in guideways or slots. The lift or guide rods have lift curves or inclined faces which correspond to the glide curves or cams of the drawers and are formed by notches that vary in depth with the steps of the blocking bar. The lift curves of the lift rods function to operate the blocking bar by engagement with the pins thereof. Each lift or release rod is supplied at its right hand end with a catcher for the projecting edges of coins in the coin receiver. The inserted coins serve to draw the lift rods to the right thereof elevating the blocking bar to such an extent that the sliding rod is freed for the opening of a drawer, the lift curves serving to raise the blocking bar by means of their engagement with the pins thereof. There is a set of such lift rods corresponding to the number of drawers employed in the different price ranges. The first lift rod is so designed in respect of its lift curve that only a drawer that is adjusted to merchandise of the lowest price can be withdrawn, drawers of a higher value being prevented from opening by the striking of the main sliding rod against the second stop of the blocking bar. Should two coins be inserted, the blocking bar will be raised initially by the first lift rod then by the second lift rod so that the main sliding rod is enabled to pass the second stop of the blocking bar. The curve of the second lift bar has a horizontal extent by which it is notcalled into operation until the first lift bar has been actuated. Thus the second pin on the blocking bar is not raised until the first lift rod has completed the initial rise. This construction is essential in order to avoid any attempt of robbery for the reason that a shrewd customer, who might be familiar with the mechanism, could attempt to catch the vertically dropping coin by a sudden jerk of a drawer of a higher priced merchandise in such a way as to raise the blocking bar so high that a merchandise drawer of a higher value could be withdrawn by the insertion of a single coin. The curve of the third lift rod is similarly designed, that is to say, it has a horizontal extent which is so proportioned that the lift rod cannot execute the required additional raising of the blocking bar until after the first and second lift rods have performed their movements. It is therefore necessary that the first and second lift rods be actuated by the insertion of coins before the third lift rod can be operated. This precludes pilfering of the machine. It will be understood that any lift rods in excess of the three already mentioned will be similarly designed in respect of their lift curves.

Adverting to the blocking bar, it may be mentioned that the steps at the lower end thereof are in proportion to the glide curves of the drawers and the curves of the lift rods. The blocking bar may be made in any width or thickness and any number of steps may be supplied on it. The steps provide stop positions and are so sturdy in construction that they may not be bent and, furthermore, will not wear to any appreciable extent. Also, the main sliding rod and its arm portion that strikes the steps of the blocking bar may be made sufficiently strong to withstand all the strain that is likely to be imposed on it Without being subject to detrimental bending or flexing such as would be likely to affect the serviceability of the machine. At this point it might be mentioned that the steps could, if so desired, be provided on the arm of the main sliding rod in place of on the blocking bar, but this is simply a reversal. of parts and does not amount to further invention. Furthermore, if so desired, the stop positions afforded by the upwardly bent arm of the main sliding rod could be formed on the horizontal extent of this member.

A salient feature of advantage accuring from this invention is that the blocking mechanism may be constructed of any desired height without adversely affecting the stop arm of the mainslid- 'ing rod for the reason that the stop arm is adequately supported and is not subject to bending stresses such as would be likely to render the machine inoperative. It is therefore possible that the release mechanism may have a capacity of five or more coins, as required to handle the vending of a wide price range of merchandise. This advantageous construction is not obtained by the mechanism of this type of vending machine with which I am familiar because it is mandatory that the coin receiver be kept as low as possible with respect of the main sliding rod for the reason that the upwardly bent arm of this rod is not capable of being supported to preclude detrimental flexing. This has the disadvantage that a coin restitution device cannot be applied because the coin restitution channel can not be given the required inclination when the arm of the sliding rod is made too short.

A corollary feature of advantage of the instant invention is that it offers the possibility of inclusion of a coupling for a second coin denomination and lends itself to the inclusion of a second or even a plurality of release mechanisms for other coin denominations.

Having recounted the major advantages of this device, subsidiary objects and advantages will appear as the description is recounted in greater detail.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view partly in section viewed along line II of Fig. 2 and depicting by way of illustration three drawers for merchandise of three different price ranges and showing the coin insertion and release mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section taken on line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross section taken on line 33 of Fig. 2 and showing the release mechanism.

Fig. 4 is an elevation partly in section of the right hand end of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the blocking case depicting the blocking bar and the lift rods.

Fig. 6 is a detail in perspective showing the upright arm of the main sliding rod and the blocking bar.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one of the lift rods.

Fig. 8 is a front view of the coin receiver and the coin restitution device.

Fig. 9 is a detail showing the connection of the upper plate of the coin restitution device to the auxiliary sliding rod.

Fig. 10 is a detail of the lower plate of the coin restitution device and its connection with the slide rod by which it is rearwardly urged.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the coin restitution device omitting the restitution channel or chute.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of Fig. 11 and showing the restitution channel or chute attached to the slide rod thereof.

Like numerals of reference denote similar parts in each figure of the drawings.

In the practical embodiment of the machine illustrated. in the drawings there is provided a suitable base plate I supplied with guide bars 2 in side by side relation for slidably supporting a plurality of merchandise drawers 3. The individual drawers are each connected to a merchandise compartment-not shown. The base plate I carries swing levers 4 that are tensioned by spring pressure, which levers respectively engage a guide 5 on the bottom of the drawers for the purpose of reverting them to their locking position. The individual drawers are normally secured against being withdrawn by means of a main sliding'rod 6 which has a working connection with the coin insertion device so that only upon the insertion of the required coinage for desired merchandise can the aifected drawer be .pulled forward. As each drawer is opened, a

shoulder member I operates toengage a stop screw or the like 8 rigid with the base plate I. The shoulder I and stop screw 8 may be of the usual construction and merely serve to prevent the drawer from opening beyond its fully withdrawn position for the dispensing of merchandise from the concerned compartment.

To prevent the same drawer being used repeatedly after the insertion of the necessary coinage for a single operation by not pulling the drawer completely out and removing the merchandise before the coin drops, a return safety feed device is provided by which the return of the drawer is only possible when it has been completely withdrawn and the coin or coins dropped intothe coin receiver. This safety device comprises a ratchet lever 9 for each drawer, which is pivoted on one of the adjacent guide bars 2 that support the drawer. The ratchet lever has an arm by which it is maintained in a normal position by the urge of a tension spring Id, and on another arm, indicated at 9', a ratchet tooth is formed and disposed crosswise to the direction of movement of the drawer. Rigidly attached to the drawer is a feed plate II having a toothed edge I2 in the form of a rack which is adapted for engagement with the tooth 9 of the ratchet lever in the pulling out of the drawer. The forward end of the rack has a sloped edge I3 that initially engages the tooth 9 in the opening of the drawer so as to throw the swing lever in forward direction and thus cause it to assume a blocking position as its tooth rides over the rack teeth I2. In this manner the feed plate is blocked in the direction of the return movement of the drawer 3. This blocking effect is only removed when the drawer is completely pulled forward and the release is effected by a sloped edge I4 on the rear of the rack I2. On return of the drawer. the tooth 9 is moved in the opposite direction which assures that only upon the drawer being fully withdrawn can it be returned to its starting position. It will be gathered that by this construction the return of the drawer permits the ratchet lever to revert to its normal position. The pivotal member of each ratchet lever is desirably secured to a cross member I5.

It might be mentioned here that the machine may be equipped with a device to assure that only one drawer can be pulled. out at a time and that such drawer must be returned to its locking position before another drawer can be opened. Such a device is known in the art and does not therefore form a part of the present invention.

Adverting to the plates II, these are each furnished on their front portions with a glide curve or cam I6 and form a part of the release mechanism as also does the main sliding rod 6 which extends transversely of the drawers and carries on its underside guide pins I'I preferably supplied with rolls I8. The guide pins are disposed in the path of movement of the respective glide curves or cams I6 so that by the outward movement of a drawer the main sliding bar is caused to move in the direction of the coin receiver by means of the engagement of a glide curve with a roll I8 of a pin I1. This movement of the main sliding bar shifts the coin receiver when one or more coins are inserted. in order to actuate the release device, yet to be described in detail. Each feed plate ll terminates forwardly in a tongue point 19 in advance of the glide curve and in the normal position of the feed plates the tongues rest against the left side of the respective rolls l8. The main sliding rod 6 is urged toward the left hand end by mean of spring pressure, such as that indicated at 6", so that in its normal position it bears against the tongues of the plates II. On drawers of equal price range, the glide curves I 6 are of identical pattern so that in this case the travel imparted to the main sliding rod 6 remains the same but in the case of drawers that are adjusted to a higher price range the glide curves iii are of a different angle or width so that the feed of the main sliding rod is varied. That is to say, for each price range the rod 6 has a different travel in the direction of the coin receiver and the feed varies in proportion to the number of drawers and increases in steps corresponding to the increase in price range of the merchandise compartments. The formation of the glide curves or cam faces I 6 will be better understood by an inspection of Fig. 1 in which it will be observed that of the three drawers illustrated the one at the right hand end has a cam face of the smallest width and may be adapted for the operation of its drawer upon insertion of a five-cent piece. The middle drawer may have its cam face adapted for operation on the insertion of two of such coins and, likewise, the drawer at the left hand end may have its cam face suitable for operation of the main sliding rod on insertion of three of such coins. While only three drawers are illustrated, it is of course understood that a larger number can and will be employed; in which case the plates l I will have their cam faces progressively varied in accord with the price ranges of the merchandise.

The main sliding rod is suitably supported for endwise movement and the supporting means includes a bracket 20 that constitutes a guide and is secured to the base plate I. The right hand end of the sliding rod 6 is bent upwardly at a right angle beyond the bracket in order to form an arm 6 that is attached to the coin receiver 2| S by suitable fastening elements. The coin receiver shifts with the slidingrod as a unit and is suitably guided for this purpose, as will be explained later. The front side of arm 6' is cut away adjacent to the bend in order to form a stop 22 for a blocking bar 23, which blocking bar is disposed slightly in advance thereof. Above the coin receiver is a channel 24 for the reception of coins inserted in a customary coin slot with which the casing of the machine is furnished, as will be well understood in the art. A vertical slot 25 is furnished in the coin receiver which slot registers with the passage of the channel 24 in normal position. This slot extends vertically and is open at the front so that coins are received edgewise in it, and it is of a width slightly greater than that of a coin for which it is adapted. The depth of the slot is such that a coin inserted in it projects forwardly a certain distance beyond the front face of this member. The coin receiver is proportioned to receive the three coins in the present instance, that is to say, the threecoins may be inserted in it one after another so that they rest edgewise on each other.

The coins are precluded from falling forwardly of'the slot 25 by means of three lift rods 26, 21, and 28 horizontally disposed in the blocking case 29 and horizontally slidable in the same by means of guide slots 30, 3|, 32, 33, 34, and 35. The blocking case may be rigidly secured to a plate 29 and the lift rods 26, 27, and. 28 are disposed one above another for endwise movement in the direction of the main sliding rod 6. The right hand end of each lift rod is fashioned with a U- shaped portion that constitutes a catcher 36 for the projecting edge of a coin lodged in the coin receiver. That is to say, in the normal position of each lift rod the U-shaped member faces coin slot 25 and coins dropped into the receiver fit into the respective catchers of the lift rods.

The blocking bar 23 is vertically arranged in a slot 23' in the blocking case 29 and is adapted for endwise sliding movement. The lower end is cut out in the form of steps, as illustrated at 38, and these steps control the movement of the main sliding rod 6 in the direction of the coin insertion device. The said lift rods extend transversely of the blocking bar and each is provided with a sloped cut-out portion that supplies a lift face. The lowest lift rod 25 is formed with a comparatively short out-out portion 39. The next one, 21, is supplied with a slightly higher sloped cut-out 40, and the highest lift rod 28 is furnished with a sloped cut-out 4| of an increased height. These notched portions of the lift rods receive pins 42 projecting rigidly from the blocking bar 23 and the forward face of the cutout of the lift rods is perpendicular while the rear face is inclined at a suitable angle such as to form a lift cam for elevation of the respective pins 42. Each lift rod may have a suitable back stop such as indicated at 28, which strike against the blocking case 29 in the movement. The said lift rods are positively returned to their normal positions by means of pins or the like, as at IE1, carried by the coin receiver and disposed to the right of the slot 25 therein.

The main sliding rod 6 is normally maintained in an inoperable position by means of the stop 22 which abuts the adjacent edge face of the blocking bar 23 should an attempt be made to open a drawer without inserting a coin. The lift rod 26 has its notched portion 39 proportioned so as to elevate the blocking bar a distance sufficient to permit the stop 22 to advance into the first step thereof. The lift rod 2'! has its notched portion 48) proportioned to elevate the blocking bar still higher so that the stop 22 may engage the second step, while the lift rod 28 has its cut-out portion 4! dimensioned for still further elevating the blocking bar so that the stop 22 may pass the lowest step. By this construction, lift rod 21 begins its movement of elevating the blocking bar only when the first lift rod has completed its lifting movement and, likewise, the third lift rod 29 only begins its lifting movement when the second lift rod has elevated the blocking bar. It will thus be seen that the notched portions are co-ordinated with the steps 33, and in the normal position of the main sliding rod 6 the glide curves 18 of the feed plates H are prohibited from advancing said sliding rod through their engagement with the rolls 3; consequently, the drawer for the lowest priced article may not be pulled out without the insertion of a coin. This blocking movement is even more effective should an attempt be made to pull a drawer of a higher price compartment because in this case the glide curves l6, due to their greater width, require an increased travel of the sliding rod 6.

When a single coin is inserted and the corresponding drawer is pulled, the sliding rod 3, to-

gether with the coin receiver 2i, is advanced by reason of the fact that the edge of the coin is engaged in the catcher 36 of the lift rod 26. This lift rod thus serves to lift the blocking bar and permits the main sliding rod 6 to be advanced to the first step where it is constrained against further movement by the stop 22. The drawer can then be pulled open for the purpose of removing the merchandise. An attempt to open a drawer of a higher price compartment after the insertion of a single coin would miscarry, however, due to the fact that the endwise movement of the sliding rod 5 would be, prevented by the engaged step of the blocking bar, in which case the affected roll it would prevent the passage of the feed plate I l.

The coin restitution device comprises a restitution plate 53 which is movable both lengthwise and crosswise and which, in its normal position, projects under the coin receiver 21 for a short distance so that a sidewise movement .of the coin receiver fit is sufficient to throw the slot '25 beyond the range of the restitution plate so that the coin may fall into a containernot shown in the drawings. A coin, when in the slot 25, rests on the restitution plate and in the case of a plu rality of coins the bottom one rests on the restitution plate. The restitution device is rigidly attached to a sliding rod i t guided for endwise movement in a suitable manner, the guide means including a bracket (55 attached to the base plate l. A spring iii? is employed to retain the sliding rod in normal position and to return it to such position when it is depressed. A button (not shown) is associated with the Sliding rod 4 4 for the purpose of depressing it. The pressing of the button forces thev sliding rod against its spring pressure so as to shift it rearwardly in order to urge the restitution plate to a position such that it is located outside the range of the slot 25 for the purpose of allowing the coins in the slot to be returned by means of a coin restitution channel 47.

The coin restitution device operates to assure that a customer does not lose his money in the event that he unintentionally or deliberately tries to pull a drawer of a commodity of a higher price than that for which he has deposited a coin or coins This mechanism includes an auxiliary sliding rod 48 alongside of the main sliding rod 6 and urged to the left by spring pressure. Rod 48 is suitably supported for endwise motion and is supplied with guide pins as at 49 for operation by glide curves or cams 50 secured to drawers of a higher price range. Theglide curves or cams 58 are so designed that the pullingof any one of such drawers shifts the auxiliary rod 48 to the right for a distance dependent on the length and angle of the cam faces.

The auxiliary rod 48 is coupled at its right end 5i to the restitution plate 43 which is composed of two parts disposed one above the other and interfitted so that the upper part may slide longitudinally in the direction of motion of the coin receiver 2!. The upper part forms the restitution plate proper and has a top face 43' that acts as a catcher for a coin in the slot 25 aforesaid. This part is directly connected to rod 48 by means of a palet 52 having a slot 52' in which a fastening element 52 is slidably fitted. The palet 52 extends rearwardly from a vertical lug 53 extending through an aperture 54 in the lower part 55 of the restitutionplate. Part 55 may fit ina recess in the underface of part 43 so as to form the interfitting connection, and

.ther device is built in the machine.

may be aided by alug 56 having a pin 51 slidably engaged in a hole in said lug 53. The slide rod 44 is directly attached at its rear end to the lower par 5,

It will be gathered that this construction provides for: the lengthwise and crosswise movements above referred to. When the rod 34 is urged inwardly the parts 43 and 55 are thereby shifted rearwardly of the receiver 2!, but this movement is not impartedto the rod 48 for the reason that the slot 52 allows the element 52 to slide therein. On the other hand when the rod 48 is advanced against its spring pressure the palet. 52 is carried forward along with the restitution plate proper 43, but this longitudinal motion is not transmitted'to the lower part 55 by reason of thesliding connection between parts 43 and, 55. Since the catcher face it" of the restitution device is normally disposed below slot 25 the first inserted coin is obliged to come to rest thereon. If the button for actuation of the rod 44 is depressedthen the obstruction af forded by the catcher face 33 is removed and the coin is returned by way of the channel 41.

. Any number of coins may be returned in the same manner, but should the proper drawer be pulled instead then this drawer will open and the receiver 2! will be advanced so that its slot 25 will be. displaced sufficiently to permit the coin to drop into the receptacle provided for this pur- IJQSfi Whereas the insertion of a single coin may only actuate the lift rod 26, the insertion of two coins causes the lift rod 2i to be actuated, and its sloped cut-out it increases the lift or rise of the blocking bar 23 so that the stop 22 of the sliding rod 6 is moved to the next step thereon, The distance of travel of the auxiliary sliding rod 48 is less than that of the sliding rod .6 when the proper. drawer is withdrawn. As a consequence the restitution plate proper 43 is advanced a distance insufficient to prevent the two coins from dropping into the receptacle or contamer. In other words, the coin receiver travels a greater distance than the restitution plate proper 43 so that the slot 25 is projected beyond the same so as to allow the coins to fall. When three coins are deposited and the proper drawer is withdrawn the lift rod 28 is brought into play by the third or top coin and a similar cycle of operations ensues as has just been recounted in reference to the insertion of two coins, the

three coins being dropped into the receptacle or container concurrently with the opening of the drawer.

With a view to avoiding any possibility of defrauding a customer who inserts two or more coins and then inadvertently pulls the drawer assigned for operation by a single coin, a fur- This attachment comprises a coin holder 56 secured to the base I opposite the receiver 2| and sup- ,plied with inwardly projecting plates 59 and 60, one being located above the other. Lower plate 55 is so proportioned and co-ordinated with respect of the receiver 2i that a second coin cannot fallif a drawer is pulled for a single coin, but yet on the other hand it will not prevent the second coin from dropping into the container provided the proper drawer is opened. The upper plate 59 extends further to the right and similarly prevents the dropping of a third coin in the event that a drawer is pulled which is adjusted to either one or two coins. Plates Bil and 59 constitute ledges that respectively functhe receiver 2| is advanced sufliciently from its normal position. The coins thus sustained by these plates will slide back again on the return of the receiver 2! and then drop in the slot 25 so as to come to rest on the restitu tion plate proper 33. The customer then has the option of having these coins returned by pressing the restitution button or purchasing an article of a value equal to the withheld coins by pulling a second drawer which is assigned to such merchandise. As has already been mentioned, the vendin machine herein illustrated is equipped with a coin receiver 2| adapted for the reception of three coins. In the event that four coins are deposited in the machine then the fourth coin remains in the channel 24 leading to slot 25. If said coin receiver is now actuated by releasing a drawer then the fourth coin rests on the horizontal top face of said coin receiver during its operation because the said face coincides in height to the upper edge portion of the third coin. When the coin receiver reverts to normal position then the fourth coin drops into the slot 25 and may either be used in making a purchase or be returned by operation of the restitution device. In the event that five coins are lodged in the machine at any one time then the fifth coin will drop through a slot 6| in the channel 24 into a passage in a by-pass'channel 62 leading to the slot of the restitution chute or channel 67. lhus the direct return of the fifth coin is effected. For this purpose the channel 24 is slightly inclined forwardly from its lower end, as will be observed from an inspection of Fig. 3. The channel 62 is inclined forwardly and I downwardly as also is the chute or restitution channel M. The chute or restitution channel is fastened to the sliding rod 44 so that coins may slide down the inclined slot thereof. Thus by manipulation of the restitution button the sliding rod 44 and the restitution element 43 are moved rearwardly together with the chute or channel 4'! so that the coins in slot 25 of receiver 21 are permitted to drop into the slot of said chute or channel 41.

Adverting to the receiver 2!, it has in the earlier part of the description been mentioned that this device is slidably supported and secured to the upright arm 6'. In the present machine constructed by me I mount the receiverZl for such movement by the provision of a rear integral lug 61 which is disposed freely in an aperture 68 of a partition or bracket M so that it can be moved horizontally in sidewise fashion as required by the sliding rod 6. The partition or bracket has end flanges 64' secured to the base I and in which a pair of guide bars 65 and 66, are secured horizontally. Lug fi'l is apertured as at 69 to receive and slide on the guide bars 65 and 66. The left hand end of the receiver 2| is supplied with an integral extension 2 l secured to arm 6 aforesaid. The channels 2 3 and 62 are fastened to partition or bracket 64.

Whereas one practical embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various'changes and modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a coin-freed mechanism for a Vending machine, the combination with a drawer, of a transverse rod'guided slidably between a blocked tion to support the second and third coins when position and an advanced position, means whereby the blocked position of said rod locks the drawer and whereby said rod is advanced when unblocked to release the drawer, a stop rigidly carried by said rod, a movably supported blocking bar normally disposed to confront the stop to block the rod, a lift device for displacing the blocking bar to free said stop, a coin receiver shiitable with said rod and having a coin slot, and a catcher connected to said lift device and operating to receive a portion of a coin inserted in said slot so as to actuate the lift device on the pulling of the drawer.

2. In a vending machine of the class described, the combination with a drawer, of a transverse rod guided slidably for endwise motion between an obstructed position and an advanced position, cam means whereby the obstructed position of the rod prevents opening of the drawer and by which the rod is advanced when the obstruction is removed and the drawer is pulled, a movably supported bar normally disposed to retain the rod in its obstructed position, an actuator for shifting the bar to free the rod, a coin receiver movable by the rod and having a coin slot that allows a coin to project from it, a catcher carried by the actuator receptive to the projecting portion of a coin inserted in the coin slot and operative to actuate the actuator on the pulling of the drawer, and means for retracting the rod from its advanced position.

3. A structure as defined in claim 2 and in which the cam means provide a glide curve, and a roll engageable therewith in the initial opening of the drawer, the roll operating to ride over the glide curve to advance the rod on release of the drawer.

4. A structure as defined in claim 2 and in which the cam means comprise a plate on the drawerhaving a cam face at an angle to the direction of travel of the drawer and forwardly terminating in a tongue, and a pin carried by the rod and engaged with the tongue when the rod is obstructed.

5. In a vending machine of the class described, the combination with a drawer, of a transverse rod guided slidably for endwise motion between an obstructed position and an advanced position, cam means whereby the obstructed position of thei'od prevents opening of the drawer and by which the rod is advanced when the obstruction is removed and the drawer is pulled, a slidably supported blocking bar normally disposed to obstruct the rod by means of a terminal abutment,

a lift device for shifting the bar to free the rod for advancement, a coin receiver slidable with the rod and having a coin slot permitting projection edgewise of an inserted coin, a catcher tion, cam means whereby the obstructed position of the rod prevents opening of the drawer and by which the rod is advanced when the obstruction is removed and the drawer is pulled, a slidably supported blocking bar normally disposed to obstruct the rod by abutment, a lift rod disposedcrosswise of the blocking bar and supported to slide parallel to the transverse rod, a'cam device operable by movement of the lift rod in an advanced direction so as to shift the blocking bar to an obstructing position and thus permit the transverse rod to be advanced, a coin receiver slidable with the transverse rod and having a vertically open coin slot permitting projection edgewise of an inserted coin toward the lift rod, a catcher carried by the lift device receptive to a projecting portion of a coin lodged in the coin slot so that such coin serves to slidably advance the lift rod with the coin receiver when the drawer is pulled to effect release of the drawer, and means for retracting the transverse rod when advanced.

7. In a vending machine of the class described, the combination with a drawer, of a transverse rod guided slidably for endwise motion between an obstructed position and an advanced position, cam means whereby the obstructed position of the rod prevents opening of the drawer and by which the rod is advanced when the obstruction is removed and the drawer is pulled, a vertically slidable blocking bar normally disposed to obstruct the rod by a confronting portion, a horizontally slidable lift rod disposed across the blocking bar for advance movement parallel to the transverse rod, a pin projecting from the blocking bar, a cam piece on the lift rod by which the pin is engaged to vertically shift the blocking bar away from its obstructing position and thus permit the transverse rod to be advanced, a coin receiver slida-ble with the transverse rod and having a vertical coin slot laterally open to permit edgewise projection of an inserted coin toward the lift rod, a U-shaped catcher formed on the lift rod receptive to an overhanging coin lodged in the coin slot so that such coin serves to slidably advance the lift rod concurrently with the coin receiver when the drawer is pulled to effect release of the drawer, and retracting means for the transverse rod.

8. In a vending machine having a plurality of merchandise compartments with individual drawers separately assigned to merchandise of different price ranges a coin-freed mechanism for release of the drawers comprising a main sliding rod extending transversely of the drawers and guided for endwise movement from a normal obstructed position to positions of advancement at different distances, cam means whereby the obstructed position of the main sliding rod prevents opening of the drawers and by which the main sliding rod is advanced when the obstruction is removed and a drawer is pulled, said cam means providing glide curves by which the main sliding rod is advanced an increased distance with an increase in the price range of a merchandise compartment, a stop rigid with the main sliding rod and forming a part thereof, a movably supported blocking bar normally disposed to retain the main sliding rod in its obv structed position, said blocking bar having a series of steps at its blocking portion co-acting with said stop to permit the main sliding rod to advance increased distances when the movement of the blocking bar is varied corresponding to the different glide curves of the cam means, a coin receiver guidedly arranged for movement with the main sliding rod, and means by which the insertion of one or more coins in said coin receiver serves to operate the blocking bar when the proper drawer is pulled.

9. In a vending machine having a plurality of mechandise compartments with individual drawers separately assigned to merchandise of different price ranges, a coin-freed mechanism for release of the drawers comprising a main sliding rod extending transversely of the drawers and guided for endwise movement from a normal obstructed position to positions of advancement at different distances, cam means whereby the obstructed position of the main sliding rod prevents opening of the drawers and by which the main sliding rod is advanced when the obstruction is removed and a drawer is pulled, said cam means providing glide curves by which the main sliding rod is advanced an increased distance with an increase in the price range of a merchandise compartment, a' stop rigid with the main sliding rod and forming a part thereof, a movably supported blocking bar normally disposed to retain the main sliding rod in its obstructed position, said blocking bar having a series of steps at its blocking portion co-acting with said stop to permit the main sliding rod to advance increased distances when the movement of the blocking bar is varied corresponding to the different glide curves of the cam means, a coin receiver guidably supported for movement with the main sliding rod and having a vertical coin slot laterally open to permit edgewise projection of an inserted coin or coins, and release means for the blocking bar comprising a complement of devices each arranged to receive a projecting portion of a coin in said coin slot so as to be actuated by movement of the coin receiver in order to shift the blocking bar a distance of one of its steps, the main sliding rod thus being free to advance correspondingly to the number of coins lodged in the coin receiver when a proper drawer is pulled.

10. A structure in accordance with claim 9 and in which means are supplied to return the main sliding rod to its obstructing position following an advance movement, and to revert the complement of devices to their respective initial positions following an operative movement.

11. A structure in accordance with claim 9 and in which the coin receiver is guided horizontally and has a horizontal top face with the coin slot extending downwardly therefrom and open at the bottom, and the combination therewith of a ledge member extending below the coin slot to support a coin or a number of coins lodged in the slot one on top of another, said ledge member having an edge portion for allowing a coin or coins to drop into a container as said receiver is advanced, a channel extending upwardly and forwardly from the coin slot when said receiver is in its normal position for the guidance of coins thereto, a by-pass channel communicating with said channel and inclined downwardly therefrom for return of coins in excess of the capacity of said receiver, and a restitution chute or channel communicating with said by-pass channel.

12. In a vending machine, the combination with a release mechanism having a horizontally slidable coin receiver supplied with a vertical coin slot open at the bottom, of a coin restitution device comprising a catcher plate subjacent the coin slot and guided for movement rearwardly thereof, a slide rod connected to the plate for imparting such movement thereto so as to permit a coin to drop over a forward edge portion of the plate, a spring retaining the slide rod in an inoperative position, a restitution channel, and means guidably supporting the plate, said plate being so arranged that a coin is also disgorged from the coin slot by the sliding of the coin receiver beyond a lateral edge portion of said plate. I

13. In a vending machine, a coin-freed mechanism comprising a main sliding rod for controlling merchandise drawers of different price ranges and slidable from a normally obstructed position, in which the drawers are secured, to different positions of advancement for individual release of the drawers regulated by the amount of advancement which is co-ordinated to the different price ranges of the merchandise drawers, a coin receiver slidable horizontally with the main sliding rod and having a vertical coin slot open at the front in which several coins may be lodged edgewise one upon another, the forward edges of the coins projecting from the slot, means for maintaining the main sliding rod in its obstructed position and for advancing it to different positions, said means including a blocking element with a stepped face engageable with a stop, the steps being successively brought into abutting engagement in accordance with the amount of displacement of the blocking element, and a series of actuating devices for the blocking element arranged one above another and each supplied with a catcher disposed to engage a coin projecting from said slot of the receiver and adapted to displace the blocking bara distance of a step, and restitution means comprising an auxiliary sliding rod coextensive with the main sliding rod, a catcher device disposed below said coin receiver to prevent coins dropping through the slot in its normal position, the catcher device being shiftable in the direction of movement of the said receiver by the auxiliary sliding rod, said catcher device also being shiftable inwardly of said slot to clear the same for restituting coins, manually operable means for efiecting such inward shifting of said catcher device, a channel for returning the restituted coins, and a mechanism connected with at least one of the drawers of a higher merchandise value for operating the auxiliary sliding rod to advance said catcher device for a sufliciently less distance than the coin receiver as to permit coins to drop only when the proper drawer is pulled.

14. 'A structure as set forth in claim 13 and in which the catcher device of the restitution means comprises a top plate and a bottom plate having a guided relation by which the top plate is slidable with the auxiliary sliding rod while the bottom plate remains at rest, and by which 5 both of said plates are shiftable inwardly of the coin receiver without influencing the auxiliary sliding rod.

15. A structure as set forth in claim 13 and in which the catcher device of the restitution means is coupled to the auxiliary sliding rod by a lostmotion connection that enables it to be shifted inwardly by the manually operable means without imparting this motion to the auxiliary sliding rod.

16. A structure as set forth in claim 13 and in which manually operable means of the restitution means comprise a depressible rod directly connected to a part of the catcher device and held to a normal position by the urge of a spring. 1'7. A structure as set forth in claim 13 and in which the mechanism of the restitution means that is connected to at least one of the drawers of a higher price value for operating the auxiliary sliding rod comprises a cam on such drawer 25 engaged with a pin on the auxiliary sliding rod.

18. The combination with a structure as set forth in claim 13, of an attachment for precluding the possibility of defrauding a customer who inserts two or more coins and inadvertently pulls 30 a drawer assigned for operation by a single coin, said attachment comprising a coin holder disposed in advance of the normal position of the coin receiver and having inwardly projecting plates located at difierent elevations and forming ledges for sustaining coins, one of the plates being so arranged that a second coin cannot fall if a drawer is pulled for a single coin, but does not prevent the dropping of the second coin provided the proper drawer is pulled, the other plate being so arranged and extended as to prevent the dropping of a thirdcoin on the pulling of a drawer adjusted to either one or two coins and to permit the dropping of the third coin when the proper drawer is pulled.

SIEGMUND KAUFMANN. 

